New data shows that one in five Americans now turn to social media 'news influencers' for their news, a figure that rises to almost one in four among those under 30. This shift towards non-traditional news sources signifies a major change in how younger audiences consume information.
Pew Research defines news influencers as social media users with over 100,000 followers who frequently share news-related content. This group includes many trusted voices, reshaping traditional news consumption patterns and challenging conventional journalism standards.
While many influencers are journalists by former affiliation, they primarily engage with their audiences through their platforms, providing commentary and analysis rather than original reporting. This represents a shift from traditional journalism to more personal interpretations of news.
Kevin Twomey from NewsWhip refers to news influencers as "the new New York Times", highlighting their substantial impact on public information consumption, yet it's important to note that influence does not equate to journalistic integrity or quality.
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